Willkay is an artist that is best known for his creative thought provoking drawings, his work has been featured on Hypebeast’s ‘Pen and Paper’ segment and he has had the pleasure of working with lifestyle and sportswear brands such as adidas, Converse and G-Shock. Willkay attended London’s Central Saint Martins and the London College of Communication before setting up his own creative agency ODDKINGDOM®, offering creative services to clients. We sat down with Willkay to find out what drives his creativity.
Who is Willkay?
Willkay is an Artist, Graphic designer, Art director who combines contemporary influences with hand drawn illustration techniques to create distinctly exceptional artwork.
What does creativity mean to you?
Being a god of what I create and layering my legacy.
What did it feel like the first time someone outside of your circle gave you recognition for your work?
It felt very innovative and engaging at the same time, someone taking their time out to notice and observe my craft. It always feels very refreshing to me when someone mention’s a particular artwork reminding them of their childhood stories and dreams.
What is your best piece of work and why?
My best piece of work would have to be Adela, (Cat with the cool glasses), it has assisted me to engage with new audiences, managed to put smiles on people’s faces, and attracted loads of attention.
What is the vision behind your own brand ODDKINGDOM® ?
ODDKINGDOM® was created more than five years ago, I formed it because at the time when I embarked on my creative journey, I had numerous people offering and bribing me to join their forces, instead of that, I believed in creating my own pathway and foundation, which was my own world of inspiration. The aim for ODDKINGDOM® is for it to be diverse, a creative force and brand that is able to deliver conceptual exploration and artistic innovation. In the future, it will include a team of creatives, providing the best in Art, Film and Fashion.
If you could have your own trainer like Kanye West, what brand would it be with and what new concept would you bring to the sneaker game?
I would go with adidas, it is brand that let’s a creative have their own platform to craft products that can inspire others with continuous innovations.
I believe in the future so I would create something for the world to enjoy and also something to bring oddness and weirdness to the sneaker game.
What three things do you need to have with you on a daily basis.
The first item would be my iphone 6, so that I am able to capture anything that can inspire me in weeks or years to come. The second and third would be my A5 sketch book and fine marker pen, so that I am able to sketch or write anything that I come across.
What artists do you admire and why?
I admire Andy Warhol because he kept working till he got to the top and also because he is a fascinating person who started a revolution in art and pop culture.
You have worked with a lot of top brands, what have you gained from those experiences?
Working with top brands and corporate companies has been appealing, I gained rewards and admiration as an underdog introducing myself to them.
Who are your favourite 3 clothing designers?
I would have to say Uniqlo, B-side by Wale and adidas Originals.
Do you do any work with the youth and how important do you think it is to give back?
I have not yet engaged with the youth community on a particular project but every now and then I do share my thoughts on how to get into the industry with young people I come into contact with.
I believe it is very important, the youth always need someone to talk to or seek advice in his or her chosen pathway.
If you could redesign a council estate in your local area what would it look like?
It would be a mini educational place, futuristic yet modern, full of colour, with more playful three-dimensional typography and striking bold images that inspire and always make the residents feel good on a bad day.
What advice would you give to a young, upcoming creative?
Feed your creativity every day, Invest in your talent, one day it will pay off.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a new project which will see me travel to ‘the dark side’, more collaborations, creating ODDKINGDOM® merchandise and a few more surprises.
To keep up with Willkay’s Artistic Journey follow him on Instagram @willkay_oddking
